It's National Library Week!

You'd think that because we are a family who loves to read, and frequents the library often that we'd know it's national library week. Well, we didn't. In all honesty I haven't paid too much attention to all things that are "national" but I am glad that we found out about it, and that we had some fun exploring the library yesterday. If you look at my instagram story (gotta click on my profile pic) you can see just how much fun Noah was having at being at the library. 

Superhero Library Kind of Day!

One thing I look forward to during the summer time is reading!!! I have been struggling to finish this book, and have extended the due date, and because its so good I'm just going to go ahead and buy it! One thing the kids look forward to during summer is going to the library. We try to go at least twice a month during the school year, but this year has been pretty impossible. With Noah going to school half a day the morning flies, and with after school activities there just isn't enough time in the day to venture out there. I remember when Noah and I would walk to the library, and because Noah wasn't in preschool we'd come home on our own leisure. I was his teacher for five years, and to get back those days to go to the library, check out some books, and just lounge around on a comfy couch in the library to read was dreamy. Okay, now I'm thinking of Matilda. Luckily on this day the kids didn't have anything going on after school, and on their own motive asked if they could go to the library. Of course I said yes! Since it's only a couple of blocks away they wanted to walk, but we ended up driving because...rain. The sun is still trying her hardest to shine, but the clouds are just taking over. The weather around this time is so different compared to last year, and although I'm getting used to these dreary, and cloudy days with scattered showers here and there, I snap out of it, and so do the kids, and they do it with...............books!

Noah has become obsessed with everything marvel. Ever since Lexie exposed him to captain america, spider man, superman, and iron man he wants to read everything that has a superhero photo on the cover. He's really getting into comic books like his pa, and even though I feel like they could be a little too much to read, I make sure there are is no graphic content in them. Because Lexie is a fast reader she is pretty good, at judging a book through flipping through the pages quickly, and if she sees any type of curse word, or innuendo she puts it right back on the shelf. 

Chelsea always lucks out, and finds great books to read. I don't think she'll ever out grow the Judy Blume phase. She'll be reading those books until she's 20! 

Of course Lexie has to pick out the thickest book there is on the shelf, and also because...Orson Scott Card! She's a fan, and loves the book Enders game so much to the point where she has read it a gazillion times, and has a little crush on Asa Butterfield who plays Jacob in this movie which comes out this summer! She's read the entire series, and so she's excited to see the movie, and how they portray it. 

Even though he's a fan of marvel comic books, he's an even bigger fan of Transformers. He really wanted to check out this book, and so he did. He is hooked! 

These kids always have a grand time at the library. They can be there for hours, and like piano, I think they'd rather read than eat, and sleep! It's amazing what books can do in the life of a child. I know for me, reading, and really getting into the characters of the book is a way for me to relax, and escape. That's why I look forward to summer because it truly is the season to relax, sit down, and read a book. 

Or in our case, try to read as much books as we can!! 

Happy Monday folks! 

THANKFUL FOR SMALL LIBRARIES.

I love books. I love the way old books smell whenever I enter a used bookstore, or even a library. It has been interesting to explore various libraries around my neck of the woods, and the other day my dear friend, and I along with our kids went to her local library to check out some books, and I'll tell ya...we could have been there all day! 

One thing I loved about this small, quaint library was the fact that it's super old school. Although it's a small library, it's big enough to accommodate enough people without getting claustrophobic, and her girls always leave with a ton of books that they enjoy reading which means their book selection is not too sparse. They don't have library cards with a bar code in the back. What they have are cards inside the books where they stamp the date, and you sign your name! Love that! Totally reminded me of my school days when I used to go to my school library, and check out books to read. One of my favorites books was The Watcher in the Woods. It was (still is) such a favorite of mine that I ended up getting it for free for being a part of the Texas Readers book club. Sound familiar to any my local Kingsvillian peeps?? The Watcher in the woods was the first young adult book i owned in which i read over, and over again. Poor thing was so dog eared that I think my mother got rid of it. No wonder I don't have it, but I guarantee I'll get my hands on a copy so my girls can read it! 

We had such a great day, and what I love about my friends is the fact that if you're a bookworm, I love you even more! I think that's why our girls get along so well because they all are all voracious readers, and have similar tastes in the books they read. 

Even though Chelsea is a few years younger than her girls she looks forward to reading certain books on their level. There are quite a few that are still too "young adult" for her so she'll wait to read them once she turns 12. She will stick with the Lemony Snicket, and Fabel Haven series for now! 

This is one library where they have a special play area for the kiddies. I understand that the play area is there for parents with small children, and I think that's great, but man was it a distraction for Noah. All he wanted to do was play with cars, and eat animal crackers. Since we weren't checking out any books for him here, I went ahead and had him play for a bit, and he was in heaven. 

I know reading is important to young children, and starting them off young is great, but they still need their play time, and if he's happy I'm happy. So playing with cars, and eating animal crackers made him happy which made me happy! 

And to be completely honest...I think we have half of the books that are on these book cases at home so keep on playing Noah. 

How cute is this doll house! I was so surprised that Chelsea didn't play with it. Really surprised because every once in a while she'll still play with her bitty baby, and dolls here at home. Kind of puts a sadness to this mama's face knowing that she may be getting out of the doll phase soon, and putting Josefina back in her box (tear...)

And what's a library without a movie section. Once I read a book that has been made into a movie I will watch it. The book has to be super good though, and so far the Maze Runner series is awesome! So looking forward to the Scorch Trials when it opens on the week of my birthday!

I tell ya this library is where it's at. You may think that because it's small and in an area where it's too hidden to even know it's an actual library, or feel that it's up to no good, it's not! Just like you can't judge a book by it's cover, you can't judge a library by it's location, or until you've actually entered in. I'm so glad we stopped in to check it out! Cute as can be, and the one man staff was very friendly (she's hiding behind her desk!)

After we spent a couple of hours in here, we then went to my local library which is a bit bigger, and has no play area. We all checked out a book, and Noah chose this one. 

^^^ Here he is flipping through the pages looking at the pictures. ^^^

He has now become obsessed with dogs, astronaut lingo, and outer space attire. Guess I'm going to have to make him some kind of jumpsuit so he can pretend that he's an astronaut (as if i can sew...NOT! ). He also wants a dog, but I told him not yet! 

I'm so thankful for the little libraries that are still functioning today. It's a shame that small libraries are slowing becoming obsolete due to funds being cut. That says a lot about our generation today. Kids don't seem to be reading enough, and adults have substituted an iPad or Kindle in place of a tangible book. Not me though. I'm too old school for my own good. Heck, I still carry a pad, and pen in my purse, and write people's phone numbers down in it instead of my iPhone! Sure wish Jersey would create some kind of book club for the youth like the one I was in when I was little. I know that incentive will encourage kids to read more. Plus...who wouldn't want free books! 

I personally love books, and one of these days I hope to have a "library" in my home. A room full of books. Kind of like the one in The Book Thief. Loved the setting of llsa's library where Liesel would go to find comfort in words, and escape. 

Words are inspiring, and no matter how old i get there is no way that I'll stop reading. 

No way. 

And I will always encourage my kids to do the same. 

Read Instead...

Without books I honestly believe that life would be boring. I say this because as a young child reading was my escape. Escape from the real world, and any dramatic thing that was going on in my life. Reading fuels up the imagination, and when you're reading a great book whether happy or sad it's even better. I remember the times when ever I read a "happy" book I'd sometimes picture myself as the protagonist. The main character who is usually the good guy. The one who is usually happy, young, sweet, carefree, always having a good attitude. I love books like that. I also love books that are tear jerkers and give us pure joy. I love books that may have heartache in it too, with happy endings. Intense books are a must too, because sometimes we need that little pick me up. Reading the Watcher in the Woods at the age of ten was pretty intense for me because of the storyline. It's about a family with two girls who move away from their comfort zone into unfamiliar territory to a house near the woods where they both feel that someone or something is watching them. I pictured myself in that dark place trying to figure out who or what was watching, and how to resolve that. I need to read that book again because I forgot how the ending went. I love books that teach us the meaning of life, true stories of then and now, and books that help us grow spiritually. I love all kinds of books, and I am extremely grateful to have a house full of kids who actually enjoy reading them. 

You can imagine my giddiness when Noah came up to me the other day requesting he'd get a library card. I know he got that idea from his sister. Summer reading is upon us, and there are a ton of books to catch up on. One thing I love about the summer reading program are the incentives they offer for reading all summer long. I know that some kind of 'treat' is given, but not sure what kind. I had to give Chelsea one of my 'mom pushes' to read this year, but in all honesty she kind of struggles. Although she's an excellent reader, and pronounces her words correctly she would rather play outside, watch Disney movies, or play games on the computer (which I don't allow too much of lately.) Yay me! However, ever since school ended she has shown a vast interest in reading. Probably because of the 'mom push' I've been giving her, or the fact that I bought this print which gives her the motivation to read instead of playing games, and/or watching television. I also think the fact that Lexie won a scholarship, and money for being the winner of two award winning essays gave her more encouragement. I mentioned to her how reading books make you smarter, which in a lot of cases helps your vocabulary become more extensive, hence writing good stories. She really looks up to her sisters, and wants to read like lightening, and be smart like them. As Lexie and I were discussing Chelsea's struggles in reading, Lexie mentioned to me how she remembered the time we lived in North Carolina and how her second grade teacher awarded every month throughout the school year with coupons for a personal pan pizza from Pizza hut every time she read book that was at least 500 pages long. Because of that incentive she wanted to read more and more...and boy did she read a ton (still does!) Same with Sierra. 

Too bad the school here doesn't offer coupons for free pizza, but they do award certificates, and...a pencil. A pencil?? Really?? I guess I should be grateful huh? Well...I decided to do my own rewarding just like I did last year when she read. Last week we went to the library and checked out a couple of books, and made it a point to take a trip to the library at least once a week this summer. One thing that made my heart melt is seeing how excited Noah was when he got his very first library card. 

He demanded a picture, and so I snapped a few as he was wondering around  trying to figure out which books piqued his interest.  

^^^ He wanted this dictionary, but I told him we already had one at home! ^^^

Even though Chelsea is not a voracious reader (yet) like her sisters I am happy that she at least knows the importance of reading. She is entering the fourth grade this fall, and I think reality is beginning to hit her as she gets older. Knowing that there is going to be more homework, and less recess. As long as I continue to give her that 'mom push' she'll eventually have the desire to read on her own, and it's already beginning.  

library, park, and a waffle cone kind of day.

This morning I woke up, did my routine as every mom does...get the kids ready for school, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (because the food at the school is pretty gross), hurrying Chelsea because she is the last one to leave, and I swear she will sleep in until the last minute, and hustle to get ready. I am still in my pj's while doing this, and luckily the school bus moved closer to my house because on rushed days like this it's nice to stand outside your door to watch her as she runs lallygags down the bus stop with other neighbors kids...and i don't worry.

The weather lately has been too gorgeous to pass up by staying indoors to watch cartoons, do crafts, laundry, or other things us homemaking moms do because with this boy my motivation is in full swing, and time standing still for him is limited.

Today we went to the library, and actually sat  inside for once. We normally pace around, choose which books we want, check them out, and leave. I really, really like this idea because it alliviates the stress of paying any accumulating late fees. No matter how many times I'll tell Noah to put the library books away in a place where we can easily find them to return, we always seem to find them after the date is due! I think trips to the library and hanging out there to sit, and read his favorite books to him is more beneficial than taking them home. Well...sometimes. I mean we do have a stash of books of our own at home. I really think that I'm going to invest in buying the story that he chose for me to read to him. 

After carefully choosing the book of the hour we sat down I read him this story which is now one of his favorites. I think the fact that it had boats, and central park combined in it has inspired him to build one and take it to central park to put it in the water. I'm sure that can be done.

After reading an x amount of stories to him we left the library, and sure enough I thought this kid was going to fall asleep in the car, and actually take a nap, but to no avail. 

As soon as he recognized the street I was driving on he knew exactly where we were headed towards. All of a sudden I hear his voice saying, "Park! I want to go to the park mom." 

It was such a beautiful day, and loved looking at the colorful leaves on this tree underneath the blue skies. 

Ah, fall! 

I love this time of year, and being alone with Noah again...just me and him without papa seemed like old times. Don't get me wrong, I love it when Jon hangs around, but sometimes you just need that mother and son alone time you know. Especially since I've been used to it since Noah was born! I'm just so grateful that Jon has a job!! Yay! Keeps us young you know! 

This indian summer sure is lasting a while and because of the strenuous playground time we had we stopped by Wendy's to get ourselves a waffle frosty cone. If you haven't had one yet you need to try these. They are delicious!! 

^^my messy little eater...he's such a BOY ^^

Noah, 

Times spent with you are the best, and I count my blessings everyday that I had you. You are the sweetest little boy, and I love you. I didn't have days like this with my mother, and because of that I know this is why i hold on to you, and treasure the things I do with you like there is no tomorrow.  This day is going down in history as one of the best days of my life. 

xo-mom

Can't wait until next week when the temps will be in the 60's! That will be a perfect week to go to the pumpkin patch, and go apple picking! 

Bring on the fall traditions! 

a librarian in my own home.

Remember when I wrote how I wish i could be a librarian?  Well, I may not be one at an actual library, but I certainly can be one in my own home. 

We have one small shelf of young children's books, and a taller shelf of books of all kinds in Sierra's room which we all have shared. Every room is surrounded by books. Whether on my small dressers or on the piano. Even in the kitchen, and it's not just cookbooks. Alexandra told us the other day that she is running out of books to read. She has read the Harry Potter Series at least three times this year (those are her favorite.) She went through my stash of books recently and chose the DaVinci Code which she read in two days, Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns which she read both within a week! It took me almost a month or so to finish any of those books, and I haven't even read the DaVinci Code. This girl is just like Sierra when she was her age.  Laser focused, and they both read faster than lightning. I honestly think that Sierra plays piano more than reading right now, and that's okay. She practically read all year long in her English throughout her senior year. 

Lexie reads, and plays her violin more than any recreational activity. Sometimes she'd rather read than watch a movie, play games on a mini iPad, or computer. They both would rather read than, eat, and sleep.

Young adult fiction has become popular in our home. I used to read books to "test" them out in making sure they were appropriate for the kids, but I kind of gave up on that. 

Sierra & Lexie are a good judge of character when it comes to books, and I trust them. They will also ask me if I've heard of such and such book, and one time Sierra had 50 Shades of Grey on her book list, and I was like, "umm...I don't think you want to read that book, or the series." 

She asked me why, and all I said to her was that it's nothing like the Twilight series, and that it's more in depth with sensuality. She didn't realize, and after asking others about it, she didn't have the desire to read them. Even though I, too heard how great those books were, (and I'm an adult) I still didn't have any desire to read them.  

We all have our own taste in books, but sometimes there is stuff out there that is just not a "good read", and in my opinion I don't care to read books like that. 

Noah & Chelsea are following in their sisters footsteps and although they love to play games, and watch cartoons they also love books! 

This right here is a candid moment, and it made me happy when I saw him striving to read in Spanish on his own motive! 

This kid will be bilingual.

I am so glad that in spite of everything that goes in life that we can all escape with a good book. That seems to be the remedy for our stresses in the Jorgensen household these days. 

Me...going to the beach last week with just the girls helped me to relax, and reading is always the icing on the cake. When I went with my entire family the week before I thought I was going to read, but instead i played with my kids in the water. I will always find time to read even if it's done in the middle of the night on my bed. 

Summer is coming to an end in a few weeks, and we would like to read a few more books before school resumes. I don't think we'll ever be done with our summer reading around here. More like "all year round" reading! 

Books are definitely a cure for everything, and I never want to take them or our wonderful libraries for granted!

new york public library.

Let's be honest.

This summer has been a blah for reading on my behalf, and I feel terrible. Blame it on spending more time on the final preparations getting Sierra ready for college, having family visit, the fact that we might be moving again, and that my concentration is solely on making sure that my kids are number one in my life, and that they are all doing well. Still...reading helps me escape in many ways, and soothes my brain. I miss it, and after going to the NYPL I'm going to at least finish one book before the end of summer!! 

Lexie and Sierra continue to read faster than lightening, and Chelsea gets more motivated when she sees them with books. 

I have so many books listed on Goodreads, but have yet to finish the one I was reading. I currently have my eye on this one at the moment. I have a love for young adult fiction (blame it on my teenage girls.) Sierra is currently reading Dante's Inferno, and Lexie is reading The Kite Runner, wait...A Thousand Splendid Suns, oh... she finished that one, Davinci Code, what, already! Not only does this girl have laser focus, but she reminds me a little bit of Dr. Spencer Reid when it comes to reading. Seriously, that girl can read the Harry Potter Series in a week! She did read them all in a week, and has reread them three times already this year!

Because of her my motivation for reading keeps increasing. Chelsea would rather go outside & play in the pool or park, but for the most part she does have an interest in reading. We have a few books on the list that we are getting, and she gets excited whenever we go to Barnes and Noble, or to our local library to check out books.

She is currently reading Mandy, and it's perfect for her.

When we went to visit the New York Public Library recently she was floored! First of all she said to me, "this is the same room like in that movie with the ice age storm." I fell in love with this library, and I'm telling you if we lived here we would be here almost every day.

The children's reading room is a good size room where you can take your young children and sit for hours reading to them. It's so cozy, and there are so many books!

The Rose Reading room is amazing. I can tell this area can get pretty packed quick. We were lucky to have found an empty seat! 

There is a "laptop room" and although the room looked a little plain the paintings on the wall made it beautiful.

Chelsea spotted George Washington in a second! 

This library is my absolute favorite, and there are times when I wish I was a "real" librarian so I can broaden my mind with the knowledge in all kinds of rare books, history, and every kind of book from fiction to biographies.

It truly is a beautiful library with timeless artwork. I feel right at home when we entered inside. Every new yorker is so lucky to have this library in their backyard, and I sure hope they don't take it for granted!

**Have you done any summer reading lately?